Health Wanted

I know the feeling of expecting that sweet bundle of joy. There are so many overwhelming feelings.

Your focus is on what color to paint the bedroom, whether to get wooden initials to hang on the wall, remembering to eat, feeling tired, and of course getting ready for delivery and all of the other appointments in between.

I remember going to my appointments and getting the one question many of us may be unsure of answering: “Would you like pre-screening for any disabilities?”

I always told myself if I chose to take that test I would care for and love my children regardless of the results.

Doctors should be asking if you’d like to be screened for “Group B Strep.”

Group B Strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria naturally found in the digestive and lower reproductive tracts in both men and women. GBS is not a sexually transmitted disease or infection, however, the bacteria can be passed between sexual partners.

GBS is the leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in newborns. It can lead to babies being miscarried or stillborn.

Since many parents don’t choose to have autopsies or placental testing done for their deceased babies, so they may never know what caused their infant’s death.

Babies are at risk of infection from before birth up to 6 months of age due to underdeveloped immune systems.

If you have ever questioned any testing before giving birth, think about getting this done. Many parents are still very unaware of this bacteria.

Find more info visit www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/